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Thursday, September 18, 2008

#503 Red State, Blue State...

Advertising is the modern substitute for argument;
its function is to make the worse appear the better.
George Santayana


... Liberal, Conservative, Right, Left, Republican Hat, American Hat, Good, Bad, etc.

What's a body to think? Perhaps Santayana was onto something. At a time when we need to be coming together, it seems that we are being pulled further apart. There are occasions when there is some bi-partisan cooperation. Posting #502 is an example where two Senators, Roberts and Biden came together to co-sponsor a bill to protect children. I hope those of you who stop by this site took the time to write to your representatives.

But, back to the primary premise, what is it about our culture that encourages us to be at each others throats? It seems as though we relish the idea of being argumentative. It is as if we have fallen victim to the idea that "my mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts."

To borrow a phrase from Dr. Phil, someone has to step forward and be the hero. Both of the candidates for the highest position are probably convinced that is exactly what they are doing. Even so we still have some bitter divisiveness.

So, we will all listen to what they have to say. We will each look for that "kernel of truth" spoken by our favorite candidate and ignore the imperfect "facts" and go to the voting booth.

Good luck, America.

#503

8 comments:

Phils Phun said...

G'day Jack
Thanks for dropping in
Have been reading your blog for a awhile, via Hales page
How do I get that follower widget??
Cheers from down under

The Phosgene Kid said...

Said it before, I'll say it again all the great minds in the US and all we get for choice is the scum off the top of the gene pool. It is time to reach outside the political class for a leader.

I agree about the divisiveness. We need to quit being Irish, German, Mexican, Black, white, Catholic, Lutheran and pull together. We've gone from the melting pot to a tossed salad. And despite what the media would have you believe there are more than two parties to choose from.

Skunkfeathers said...

I've got several thoughts on this, but will limit it to simply wishing that we could argue a point, and if the argument fails to persuade, we part amiably, "agreeing to disagree". A great many of us can do just that; but for extremes on both ends of the spectrum, it's win (and make the other lose) at ANY price. And that price is the sacrifice of civility, truth, reason and common sense.

Jack K. said...

Phil, thanks for stopping by. I will add your site to learn when you post so that I can keep up with you and so can others.

As for getting a widget, I just found out that blogspot calls them gadgets. But, enough of that nonsense. To get to the follower's gadget click here. It should be of help. If not go through blogspot help and search for gadgets.

Jack K. said...

Skunkman, I know that we don't necessarily agree on things political, and that is OK with me too. Who knows how we might be influenced by a cogent idea from someone with whom we usually disagree. If we respect ourselves, we can respect others. It is through this enlightened discourse that allows us to learn lessons and teach lessons.

Thanks for being here. I look forward to future discourse and idea exchange. Keep on baiting those fool scammers.

Jack K. said...

Phos, you are onto something important there. A thinking person will have to do the requisite research to be able to make informed decisions. Too often we take the easy way out.

Keep up your good works. My best to you and you family.

Christina said...

everybody had some good points on this one. sometimes it seems so overwhelming...I am so tired of listening to the candidates bash each other.

btw, i have a new post up. (finally)

Fred said...

I worry that bipartisanship is becoming a thing of the past. Our leaders can only agree on something when it become a crisis.

Our political system in broken. As long as we have just a two-party system, it's going to remain broken.